Enhanced magneto-optical effect in cobalt nanoparticle-doped optical fiber.

An enhanced magnetic Faraday effect is demonstrated in cobalt nanoparticle-doped polymer optical fiber. Magneto-optically induced rotation of the plane of polarization proportional to both the dopant particle concentration and the magnetic field strength is demonstrated. Potential applications include magnetic field sensors, current sensors, and in-fiber optical isolators.

Polycarbonate hollow-core microstructured optical fiber.

A hollow-core microstructured polymer optical fiber is fabricated from polycarbonate material and guidance by inhibited coupling in a two-layer structure is demonstrated in two strong transmission bands with minimum losses of 9.0 dB/m at 800 nm and 3.1 dB/m at 1550 nm.

Transmission of terahertz radiation using a microstructured polymer optical fiber.

A hollow-core microstructured polymer optical fiber was analyzed in the terahertz (THz) region. Spectral analysis of time domain data shows propagation of THz waves in both the hollow-core and the microstructured cladding with a time delay of approximately 20 ps. The frequency range and shift of the transmission bands between different sized waveguides suggested photonic bandgap or resonant guidance.

Quantum dot and silica nanoparticle doped polymer optical fibers.

A novel and highly versatile doping method has been developed to allow active dopants, including materials incompatible with the polymer matrix, to be incorporated into microstructured polymer optical fibers through the use of nanoparticles. The incorporation of quantum dots and silica nanoparticles containing Rhodamine isothiocyanate is demonstrated.

Casting preforms for microstructured polymer optical fibre fabrication.

A monolithic structured polymer preform was formed by in-situ chemical polymerization of high-purity MMA monomer in a home-made mould. The conditions for fabrication of the preforms were optimized and the preform was drawn to microstructured polymer optical fibre. The optical properties of the resultant elliptical-core fibre were measured.